I am a new memeber of the calfishing forum and noticed a question about Lake Los Carneros catfish. I live in Goleta and there is a small pond with the same name across the freeway from where I live and was wondering if this is the same lake. How big are the bass in there and if you guys could give me any tips for fishing it that would be a bonus. :-)

That's the one. I've been fishing there since 1982. Most of the fish are in the 1-2 pound range (13 - 15 inches) with the occasional 3-4 pounder (16 - 18 inches). It's kind of rare to get anything over 18 inches. You can do okay from shore but because of the limited access float tubing is probably the most productive method.

I have caught fish on almost every type of lure and it depends on the time of year. Some of my favorites include a small texas rigged worm such as the Assalt 4 or 5 inch Salt Shaker. In the summer the buzzbait bite can be a lot of fun (that's what I got the 9 on). Fishing an Assalt Salt Stik weightless along the tules or in the canal around the island can also be very productive. Crankbaits (crawdad or firetiger patterns) can be a quick way to find fish (the 7.5 was on a Rebel Wee-Crawfish).

In 1984 I got a 24 incher that went 7.5 lbs. and in 1990 I got a 25 incher that went 9 lbs.

Most people un-officially know it as a catch and release lake. It is filled mostly by neighborhood run-off so eating anything out of there would probably be kind of gross anyway.

Oh yah strictly catch and release here. I wish more people were, it kills me when I see some tourist walking around with a stringer of dead bass. Thanks for the tips! I'll try it out and let ya know what happens.

Yes, that is Lake Los Carneros. Other members can give you details about bass there, about which I know very little, except that tube fishing the tules may be best. What I can say is that you should only catch and release all species there fot two reasons. First, is the usual conservation reason. Second, fish there may be contaminated by annual runnoff of fertilizer, herbicides, etc.

Bob